Max Verstappen Responds to Surprising New F1 Team Interest

Max Verstappen has addressed new interest from the Alpine Formula 1 team following recent comments from Flavio Briatore. Briatore, now the executive advisor and acting team boss at Alpine, publicly praised Verstappen’s talent during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend.

The veteran Italian leader made it clear that his aim is to bring Alpine back to F1 championship contention, suggesting that landing Verstappen would be the quickest way to reach that goal.

Image credit: racingnews365.com

After the Miami Grand Prix, Alpine experienced a major management change with the resignation of Oliver Oakes. Flavio Briatore stepped in and has become increasingly vocal about his ambitions for the French squad.

Speaking at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Briatore insisted that Alpine must attract top drivers, with Verstappen at the top of the wish list for most teams in the paddock.

Alpine has made several major steps ahead of F1’s upcoming regulatory changes. The team decided to give up its status as a full factory team and will become a Mercedes engine customer from 2025.

This decision is a rare move for a manufacturer-backed outfit but signals their intent to reset and challenge rivals in the new era under revised chassis, aerodynamic, and power unit rules.

Briareto expressed optimism about Alpine’s prospects, saying they expect to win races as early as next season. However, their current driver lineup remains unsettled.

Jack Doohan was moved aside only six rounds into the campaign, while replacement Franco Colapinto has struggled to make a significant impact. The instability makes Alpine’s interest in an established top-level driver like Verstappen unsurprising.

Image credit: cnn.com

When asked about Briatore’s comments, Verstappen responded directly. “That will cost Alpine,” he told Viaplay, making clear any move would require serious investment.

He also showed some appreciation for the recognition, saying, “Yes indeed, but I get on well with Flavio.” Verstappen referenced his father’s connection to Briatore from his time with Benetton, highlighting the personal links involved.

Verstappen acknowledged the visible changes at Alpine over the past year, pointing to efforts such as bringing in new sponsors as evidence of progress within the team. While he dismissed any immediate move as “not at all an issue at the moment,” his words suggest he pays attention to the shifting landscape in Formula 1.

As F1 enters a new regulatory period and Alpine repositions itself, the team’s high-profile interest in Verstappen highlights how competitive the driver market could become. For now, Verstappen remains focused on his Red Bull campaign, but teams and fans alike will be watching closely for any signs of movement as 2025 approaches.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.